PASSIVE PROGRAMMING

Passive Programming

Traditional library programming is a fun and engaging way to interact with the community, introduce patrons to library services and collections, and to support literacy initiatives of all kinds. These programs are usually scheduled events that happen at a set place and time and many require patrons to sign up in advance in order to attend (Wichman, 2012). In combination with traditional active programming it is important for libraries to also introduce passive programming to the list of available activities that are offered. Passive or indirect programming differs from active programming in that it is offered over an extended period of time allowing the community to participate as they please (Wichman, 2012). These programs require no or little staff supervision and especially appeal to introverted personality types who may not feel comfortable engaging in an active program that requires small talk and participation in large social groups.

Similar to the way ‘introvert’ feels inferior to ‘extrovert’, ‘passive’ also feels like a lower caste way of reaching patrons, however it does not need to be. Traditional programming and passive programming alike can either be done with enthusiasm and careful planning to engage the surrounding community or they can be a rushed and basic. Just because the program is passive does not mean it should not take effort and consideration to execute. It should be stated that passive programming is not a replacement for traditional active programs and should be supplementary in nature (Wichman, 2012). The goal is to reach patrons of all personality types and diversities in an engaging, inclusive way.

Sample Programming Policy

The Southern Ontario Library Service provides a sample programming policy on their website, among many others. With a few minor adjustments (seen in italics), the policy can clearly define that the library is committed to providing programming in both active and passive formats in order to reach patrons with diverse approaches.

Programming supports the library’s mission to stimulate imagination and inquiry. Programming provides information, invites public discussion, encourages curiosity and creativity and promotes literacy and reading. Programming promotes the library’s services and resources. This policy defines the provision of programs at the library.

Programs are defined as any group activity offered to the public that staff coordinate, plan and/or present. These may involve active or indirect participation.
Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by presenters or participants.
The library will:

make available a wide spectrum of opinions and viewpoints
select programs based on the interest and need of the community
use programs to promote interest in, and the joy of, reading
use both active and passive approaches to engage patrons
make programs available free of charge except for fundraising events to benefit the library
limit program attendance based on safe use of space, or when success of a program requires it
make programs open to all, based on a first come, first served basis, either with advanced registration or at the door
not offer programming that is purely commercial
regularly evaluate the planning and delivery of library programs
make available a process for user feedback and expressions of opinions/concerns about programs

4. The library may:

offer programs for children, young adults, adults and families
participate in cooperative programs with other agencies, organizations, institutions or individuals
sponsor programs in the library facility or outside of the library
promote programs through brochures, news releases, and the library’s website
allow presenters to display products or books for purchase

(Southern Ontario Library Service, 2009)

Passive Programming Examples

There are many libraries that are already doing an outstanding job of supplying well-thought out passive programming. The following are some examples of these programs in practice.

Books and Reading / Active Displays

A Laid Back Book Club/ Book of the Month (Wichman, 2012)

Multiple copies of the same book can be placed together in the library for patrons to approach on their own. Discussion questions can be provided or a link to a blog where patrons can comment on the chosen title.
This would serve patrons who want the chance to be part of a book club but either can not or do not wish to attend the discussion.
Evaluate the success of the program by how many copies are taken out or by how many people engage in comments or discussion.

Blind Date with a Book (Kocher, 2016)

Display wrapped books with details and appeal factors written on the wrapping or on a label. Patrons choose books based on the key words staff choose to describe the book (the first sentence, genre, age level, facts about the author, etc..)
Introduces patrons to new books and authors based on appeal factors. Could be modified to suit any age level.
Evaluate the success of the program by counting how many books were taken out or by including a ‘rate your date’ card and turning it into a contest: readers enter the rating cards into a draw.

Shredded Book Contest (Wichman, 2012)

Shred a number of pages from popular books (using discarded or ruined books) and place each ‘book’ in a clear jar for patrons to guess the title. Multiple book jars can be displayed at once, or set out a new selection each week.
Engage readers in a fun contest that rewards diligent readers and finds a use for discarded books. Would be an excellent program to pair with Banned Books Week, which gives more visibility for freedom to read. This program would work well for children and teens.
Evaluate the success of the program by counting the number of guesses/entries.

Writing

Shelf Talkers (Jensen & Parker, 2015)

Encourage patrons to write a small review of a recently enjoyed book, CD, or DVD and staff can display them on the shelf near the item.
Allows patrons and staff to reflect on favourites and share recommendations with others without a verbal dialogue. Would work well for children’s chapter books through to adults.
Evaluate the success of the program by counting the number of submitted reviews.

One Story, Many Authors (Wichman, 2012)

Set up a large writing surface (butcher paper, white board, chalk board) and write the first sentence of a story (ex: It was a dark and stormy night... / “This might be the worst day ever” he said... / The spacecraft decelerated as it approached Earth’s orbit...). Patrons are encouraged to contribute a line to the story OR provide sheets of paper for patrons to write their own short story using the first sentence as a catalyst.
Promotes creativity and writing skills. Can be adapted for children, teens or adults.
Evaluate the success of the program by counting the number of contributions.

Mysteries & Scavenger Hunts

Mystery Theme Contest (Wichman, 2012)

Create a display puzzle for patrons; collect library materials that fits the theme or subject and display them for a certain time frame. The options for themes is unlimited and could be applied to any age group by varying the difficulty. (Childrens Examples: Weather, Solar System, Trees / Teen or Adult Examples: Chess pieces (king, queen, knight, etc.), double letters (weeds, good, tall), movies with the same Director etc.)
Focuses on riddle solving and introduces patrons to various aspects of the collection.
Evaluate the success of the program by counting the number of submissions to solve the puzzle.

QR Code Scavenger Hunt (Jensen & Parker, 2015)

Leave clues around the library using QR codes to solve a mystery. This can involve looking for items in the library by call number or using the collection to look up information. Devices should be made available for patrons to use with a QR code reader so that everyone is able to participate. Patrons can solve the mystery by submitting a ballot with their answer.
Encourages patrons to become familiar with using the library catalogue and how to find items within the library. This program could be easily modified towards a certain theme or corresponding event.
Evaluate the success of the program by counting the number of participants/ ballots.

Getting Creative

Bookfaces (Jensen & Parker, 2015)

Have patrons match their face to the cover of a book and send their entry in, either by email or by uploading to social media. These can be printed and displayed in branch or the whole contest could be done online. The community can then vote on their favourite match or each person who submits is eligible to win a prize.
Look up “bookface” on Pinterest or Tumblr for inspiration.
Evaluate the success of the program by how many submissions were sent in.

Craft Contest/ (Lego Display - Wichman, 2012)

Patrons can make a lego structure either in the library or at home and take a photo of their creation or bring it in for submission. Limiters can be applied to make this more challenging by only using ‘x’ number of pieces, or only using ‘x’ number of colours. At the end of the submission date, library patrons can cast votes for their favourite.
This can easily be applied to all kinds of crafts and age levels (ex: pumpkin decorating before Halloween, a photograph taken in your city or village, a craft using a book) and would be great to tie into other displays or events at the library.
Encourages creativity and library involvement.
Evaluate the success of the program by how many people entered.

Excellent resources for passive programs can be found through ALA’s Programming Librarian site under ‘Program Models’ with the limiters ‘Display / Passive Program’ under program type (2017). There is a great article on this site titled Reaching Teens Subversively Through Passive Programming that has many ideas (Jensen & Parker, 2015). Wichman offers a comprehensive book on passive programming with dozens of examples titled Librarian’s guide to passive programming: Easy and affordable activities for all ages (2012). If you’re interested in offering passive programming in your library these are great resources to access.

Conclusion

Possibilities for passive programming are numerous and can be as simple or as complicated as you like. They will help public libraries offer outreach to patrons of differing personality types and engage those who may not participate in other types of programs. This solidifies the library as being an inclusive environment which offers interactive opportunities for diverse individuals.

References

Jensen, K. & Parker, J. (2015). Programming Librarian: Reaching teens subversively through passive programming. Retrieved from http://www.programminglibrarian.org/articles/reaching-teens-subversively-through-passive-programming

Kocher, B. (2016). Programming Librarian: Blind date with a book for adults. Retrieved from http://www.programminglibrarian.org/programs/blind-date-book-adults

Programming Librarian. (2017). Program Models. Retrieved from http://www.programminglibrarian.org/programs

Southern Ontario Library Service. (2009). Trillium Public Library sample policies: Programming policy - policy number: OP-06. Retreived from https://www.sols.org/index.php/sols-services/sample-policies

Wichman, E. T. (2012). Librarian’s guide to passive programming: Easy and affordable activities for all ages. California : Libraries Unlimited.